MSD concerned rain could cause storm sewer flooding

DOWNTOWN ST. LOUIS ( KTVI)-The Metropolitan Sewer District says melting snow and the coming rain could create a flooding problem. MSD officials say they’re working around the clock to try to make things better Friday.

It looks like the snow is finally starting to thaw out . In fact while it has been difficult the beginning of this week after some areas received about a foot of snow , Lance LeComb with the Metropolitan Sewer District says they are finding that we could have a new hazard. “Friday looks like we are going to have half inch to one inch of rain. It could certainly be a non event .But if the amount of that rain comes down during a short period of time strictly high combined with the snow melt we could see a lot of water going into our sewer system flowing down our streets to area in lands. So we have more than tripled the number of crews that we have availableand they are working on that we are going to low line areas . Areas that we know with drain issues so where the snow fall might have worsen them,” said LeComb.

Some residents would like for the snow to end. Now the potential for rain is frustrating. They’re hoping for a better forecast very soon. I’m tried of the snow . It’s a lot of shoveling going on and it’s all over the place,” said one resident

“We are doing everything we can to prepare for this. We can’t be responsible for all flooding issues, but our sewer system we are doing everything we can. Residents what we are asking them to do if they would visually check the sewer in your neighborhood. We service over 100-thousand sewer drains . It’s impossible for us to check every one and clear away the ice snow and debris.

MSD says if residents have any problems you should contact them immediately.. If an inlet is clogged and cannot be easily cleared, please contact MSD’s 24-hour customer service number at (314) 768-6260 or email us at customersvc@stlmsd.com.

Please also contact MSD if the public discovers ponding or flooding on a street due to a blocked inlet during the rainfall. While MSD cannot address ponding or flooding issues unrelated to our sewer system, calls for flooded streets and blocked inlets will be responded to as quickly as possible and on a priority basis.

Understandably, given the amount of snow still on the ground, doing work around your home to prepare for the rain may be difficult – and, ideally, these and other drainage issues are best addressed during autumn clean-up. However, if possible, a few actions around your home can go a long way to prevent property damage. Tips are available on MSD’s website blog @ http://tinyurl.com/oez73xz.